Note-Taking Skills

Note-taking is an essential skill that can significantly enhance your learning experience. Organizing your thoughts and capturing key concepts during lectures can make studying more effective and improve your academic performance.

Note-Taking Methods

Effective notetaking begins with strong foundational habits like attending class regularly and minimizing distractions. While there's no one-size-fits-all method, a consistent and intentional approach—such as the Outline, Cornell, or Mapping method—can help organize your thoughts and improve academic performance.

Cornell Notes

The Cornell Note-taking method structures your page into 4 sections to enhance learning and retention. Begin by adding a title at the top. Divide the page into a large right-hand section for detailed notes and a narrower left-hand column for key terms or cues. After class, use the bottom section to write a concise summary. For example, in a U.S. history class, record Civil War battle details on the right and list battle names and facts on the left. Summarizing at the bottom reinforces key concepts and supports effective review.

Cornell Note-Taking Infographic.png

Split-Page Method

The split-page method involves drawing a vertical line to divide your paper in half. Use the left-hand column to list key items like names, phrases, or formulas. Provide descriptions or details for each item on the left in the right-hand column. This method, essentially a reverse of Cornell Notes, can be used like flashcards for effective memorization practice.

Split-Page Method.png

Question/Evidence/Conclusion

The Q/E/C note-taking method encourages a comprehensive understanding of class material by connecting all subject aspects.

Questions: Convert the learning material into specific, straightforward questions. For instance, in a nutrition class, you might ask, "How does vitamin B impact our health?"
Evidence: Document all relevant information answering the question. For the vitamin B example, note its functions in the body and the effects of its deficiency.
Conclusions: Analyze the questions and evidence to draw conclusions. Continuing with vitamin B, you might conclude its dietary importance and list foods high in vitamin B. This structured approach helps you see how different pieces of information fit together.

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is like drawing a tree for your ideas. You start with the main idea as the trunk. Then, you draw branches for each big thought related to the main idea. Smaller branches come off these for more details. It’s a fun and easy way to see how your thoughts connect, just like looking at a tree with lots of branches! Use the mind map below to start connecting your ideas.

One tool that is commonly used for mind mapping has recently become available to you.

Transcript

Through Canvas, educators and students now receive a free license to the Lucid Education Suite!

Use Lucid to:

Brainstorm, take notes and whiteboard in a digital space
Collaborate with groups in real-time, communicate thinking
Easily create diagrams, graphic organizers and other visuals
Leverage pre-built, customizable templates, assignments, quizzes

Get Started with Lucid Chart

Handwritten or Digital Notes?

Choosing how to take notes depends on your personal learning preference. Handwriting notes can enhance understanding and memory of conceptual information, while digital notes allow for faster transcription and more accessible storage. Your working memory might influence which method suits you best. Consider these factors to determine the most effective approach for you.

Handwritten

Pros:

It is more straightforward to incorporate drawings, diagrams, and symbols.
It can enhance understanding and retention of conceptual information.
Writing by hand can help with focus and reduce distractions.

Cons:

Writing by hand is generally slower than typing.
Physical notes can be bulky and more challenging to organize.
It is difficult to make changes or add new information later.

Digital

Pros:

Typing is faster, allowing for more comprehensive notes.
Digital notes can be easily organized, searched, and edited.
It is easy to store and back up large amounts of notes.

Cons:

Digital devices can lead to more distractions.
This may result in lower retention of conceptual information compared to handwriting.
Requires access to a device and can be affected by technical issues.

Studying by Teaching

One of the most powerful ways to truly understand something is to teach it. When we explain a concept to someone else, we’re forced to break it down, simplify it, and clarify our own understanding. This process reveals gaps in our knowledge and strengthens our grasp of the subject. This idea lies at the heart of the Feynman Technique, a method developed by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Richard Feynman. The technique encourages learners to study a topic by explaining it in plain, simple language—just as if they were teaching it to a child. By doing this, they not only reinforce their own understanding but also identify exactly what they still need to learn. Watch the following video to learn more about it.

The Feynman Technique

1. Write down what you've seen someone else do.

2. Review your explanation and identify areas where your understanding could be stronger or clearer.

3. Go back to your study materials and research and fill in the gaps in your knowledge.

4. Refine your explanation to make it even simpler and clearer.

5. Use analogies and metaphors to illustrate complex ideas in an easily understandable way.

Review, Review, Review!

The most important part of taking notes is reviewing them! The more you review your notes, the better you will retain and understand the information. Regular review reinforces learning, helps identify gaps in your knowledge, and ensures you're prepared for assignments. Here are a few ways you can review your notes effectively: